February 6-10 is National School Counseling Week!

Hello Bulldogs,

The week of February 6-10 is National School Counseling Week 2023. This week is sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within United States school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success, plan for a career, and achieve social-emotional wellbeing. The special week honoring school counselors provides recognition for school counselors who “implement comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century.”  School Counselors are actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; for working in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career and social/emotional development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves. School counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master’s degree in school counseling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program. More general information about school counselors can also be found on ASCA’s website, www.schoolcounselor.org.

Throughout the week of February 6-10, I will be reading facts about school counselors and their role in schools on the announcements each day for staff and students. I love being a school counselor in the K-3 setting, and am so blessed and happy to be able to work with you all!

Lastly, on February 28th of this month, I'd love to recognize Rare Disease Day by wearing Rainbow Colors. We have some students in this building who are living with rare diseases, so I want to show our support for them. Allie Anzevino created the following flyer to post in classrooms and share about this day.

Thank you again for your continued support, and have a great day and weekend!

Sincerely,

Mary Jo Rowan
School Counselor
Poland McKinley Elementary School
Grades K-3

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- Over 300 million people worldwide have a rare disease

- There are over 6000 rare diseases worldwide

- We advocate for more access to research, diagnosis, treatment, care, and cures

Please show your support by SHARING YOUR COLORS and wearing all colors of the

RAINBOW

on Tuesday, February 28th, 2023.